Sachem Fund Board approves 2 grant applications
Norwich — The Sachem Fund Board approved $82,772 in funding for two projects that would help create a park at the homestead of Norwich African American artist Ellis Ruley and would add two tours to the Norwich Historical Society's Walk Norwich series of historical walking tours.
In one vote, the board approved $55,000 requested by the Ellis Walter Ruley Project Committee to help create a public park at the artist’s 3-acre remote Hammond Avenue homestead and $27,772 for the Norwich Historical Society to create two new walking tours, one celebrating African American history in Norwich and one for Industrial Revolution history.
Board members were pleased that the two groups plan to collaborate on the planned Freedom Trail brochure and tour. Although the Ruley property is too far away for the walking tour that will be centered downtown, the brochure and map will include the park.
Board member Lottie Scott, a member of the Ellis Walter Ruley Project Committee, abstained from the vote.
The recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for approval at its June 19 meeting. If approved, the Sachem Fund, created in 2007 by the city and the Mohegan Tribe, will have just $16,887 remaining. In the early years, the city and tribe contributed $50,000 each to the fund, but the recession and budget cutbacks have eliminated the contributions in recent years.
The board Tuesday rejected the $6,000 request from Safe Futures to help fund the organization's domestic violence advocate program run out of the Norwich Police Department. Board member and Mohegan Tribal Councilor Mark Brown, a former city police officer, said while he is a strong supporter of the program that includes having an advocate ride with police on domestic violence calls, the request does not meet the Sachem Fund guidelines of historic, cultural and educational programs.
Board member William Quidgeon, also Mohegan tribal councilor, suggested Safe Futures approach the tribal council for a possible donation of a Mohegan Sun Arena skybox for a fundraiser for the domestic violence advocate program.
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